West Ham’s rent at London Stadium to halve if they get relegated to Championship

Mayor Sadiq Khan wants face-to-face talks with Hammers chiefs David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady over financial furore of the London Stadium

Revealed

By Dan King

12th March 2018, 9:21 pm

Updated: 13th March 2018, 9:51 am

MAYOR Sadiq Khan wants a face-to-face meeting with West Ham chief Karren Brady about the financial future of the former Olympic Stadium.

The Hammers pay rent of just £2.5m per year.

PA:Press Association

Mayor Sadiq Khan wants talks with West Ham chiefs about the financial future of the London Stadium

As Sunsport revealed in October, landlords E20 Stadium LLP would go bust under normal circumstances, mainly because of the £8m cost of converting the venue for athletics every summer.

E20 avoids administration only because the London Legacy Development Corporation, an offshoot of the Mayor’s Office, props up the company with more public money in addition to the hundreds of millions already spent on the venue.

If the Hammers were relegated from the Premier League, their annual rent would drop to £1.25m, increasing the burden on the public purse.

West Ham are also set to escape the punishment of playing behind closed doors following Saturday’s shameful scenes at the London Stadium.

West Ham pay rent of just £2.5m per year but that will be reduced by 50 per cent if the club are relegated

West Ham fans invade pitch, Mark Noble wrestles fan to ground as David Gold and David Sullivan are told to leave London Stadium for their own safety

Neither Newham Council nor the Football Association, who both have the power to take such action, are of the opinion that drastic measures are needed – yet.

But the club’s owners and stadium operating company LS185 face showdown talks with the authorities to tackle security fears after pitch invasions and fighting broke out during the 3-0 home defeat by Burnley.

Dive Ban

HENRY SHOWDOWN

Karren Brady

We take full responsibility for our predicament.. the table does not lie

Newham Council said in a statement: “As the certifying authority for the London Stadium, Newham Council is extremely concerned about the violent scenes witnessed during Saturday’s match, and utterly condemn the actions of the small minority of troublemakers responsible.

“In that capacity the council, along with the Sports Ground Safety Authority, is urgently reviewing the safety management plans and procedures and staffing of the stadium.

“The evidence gathered and the revised safety management plans will be discussed at an emergency Stadium Safety Advisory Group (SAG) which includes the Metropolitan police, E20 and West Ham United FC.

And remember, you can claim a free £30 bet with Sun Bets when you sign up put a tenner on this weekend's football here.

Although that panel would have the power to order West Ham to play one or matches behind closed doors, again a lesser punishment such as a fine is more likely and the FA would prefer to leave stadium security issues in the hands of the SSAG.

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: “The disturbances at the London Stadium were disgraceful and it’s clear that there cannot be a repeat of the ugly scenes witnessed on Saturday.

“It is up to West Ham to carry out a thorough investigation, together with stakeholders, and take proper action against those supporters who misbehaved.

“Stewarding and the safety of supporters remain the responsibility of both the club and the stadium operators, LS185. This is clearly laid out in the terms of the contract negotiated by the club under the previous Mayor.”

West Ham 0-3 Burnley: Clarets take all three points at the London Stadium as Hammer fans run riot